Can The Super Meteor Decimate The Vulcan-S? We Compare Their Specs
- by Aamir Momin
- Jan 17, 2023
- | Views: 8286
Here’s how Royal Enfield’s latest cruiser stack up against Team Green’s Vulcan S
Royal Enfield has finally launched the much anticipated Super Meteor 650, the most premium motorcycle on the veteran bikemaker’s portfolio. With that, here is how it rivals its closest competitor, the Kawasaki Vulcan S, on paper.
Engine
Specifications |
Super Meteor 650 |
Kawasaki Vulcan S |
Engine |
648cc, twin-cylinder, air-/oil-cooled engine |
649cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine |
Power |
47PS @ 7250rpm |
61PS @ 7500rpm |
Torque |
52.3Nm @ 5650rpm |
62.4Nm @ 6600rpm |
Gearbox |
6-speed |
6-speed |
While both cruisers are twin-cylinder ones with the same displacement, their power and torque output figures are drastically different. The Kawasaki Vulcan S is clearly leading in this bit thanks to its more sophisticated liquid-cooled engine.
However, if a big twin-cylinder cruiser is what you want and are okay with it not being very fast, the Super Meteor 650 is still a great option.
Underpinnings
Specifications |
Super Meteor 650 |
Kawasaki Vulcan S |
Frame |
Steel Tubular Spine Frame |
Perimeter, high-tensile steel |
Front suspension |
43mm Showa USD |
41mm telescopic |
Rear suspension |
Twin shocks, 5-step preload adjustable |
Linked monoshock with 7-step adjustable preload |
Front brake |
320mm Disc |
300mm Disc |
Rear brake |
300mm Disc |
250mm Disc |
Front tyre |
100/90 19 |
120/70 R18 |
Rear tyre |
150/80 B16 |
160/60 R17 |
A front USD fork, that too from Showa, is a first for Royal Enfield, making the Super Meter 650 a true premium cruiser, even compared to the Vulcan S with its telescopic unit. However, the Vulcan offers a slightly greater degree of adjustability, making it a little more versatile in theory.
Even the disc brakes on the Super Meteor 650 are bigger along with a bigger front wheel. The differences in the underpinnings on both bikes should result in a different riding experience, despite both being cruisers.
Dimensions
Specifications |
Super Meteor 650 |
Kawasaki Vulcan S |
Wheelbase |
1500mm |
1575mm |
Ground clearance |
135mm |
130mm |
Fuel tank capacity |
15.7-litres |
14-litres |
Seat height |
740mm |
705mm |
Kerb weight |
241kg |
235kg |
With a 35mm shorter seat height and weighing 6kg less, the Vulcan S should be slightly more accessible to shorter riders than the Super Meteor 650. The lesser weight should also theoretically result in sprightlier performance on the Kawasaki.
Features
While both cruisers come equipped with a semi-digital instrument console, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 also gets the Trippr Pod. It features smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. Sadly, the Vulcan S misses out on these modern touches.
Super Meteor 650 |
Kawasaki Vulcan S |
|
Semi-digital console |
Yes |
Yes |
Smartphone connectivity |
Yes |
No |
Navigation |
Yes |
No |
Price & Verdict
Super Meteor 650 |
Kawasaki Vulcan S |
Rs 3,48,900 |
Rs 6,40,000 |
(all prices ex-showroom)
It all comes down to the price at the end. The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 does offer a lower performance, however, at a price tag that is almost half of what the Kawasaki Vulcan S commands, the Meteor 650 is no doubt a value for money product. Additionally, its fit and finish levels are more premium too.